These dogs weren't ever intended to be part of a zoo exhibit. Loki and Lucy were found wandering the streets after their owners had to flee the shattering city to save their own lives four years ago. "Apparently the original owners had to flee urgently and could not take the dogs with them," Martin Bauer, a spokesperson for Four Paws, told The Dodo.

But the zoo wasn't spared the suffering the whole city experienced during the bombings and chaos. Slowly, the animals began to starve and locals did what they could to help them survive.

Finally, Four Paws gained permission to enter the war-torn city and rescue the remaining animals. Loki and Lucy, along with bears, lions, tigers and hyenas, were taken to safety across the border. The dogs are currently recovering at a rescue center in Turkey.

"Both are approximately 4 years old," Bauer said. "Lucy is very friendly and active, whereas Loki is a bit shy. We have already started the socialization program for them and they are doing quite well on a leash."